Equal Access to Art for All

As New Yorkers we feel compelled to add our voice to the hundreds of people in this city and outside of it who are shocked and dismayed by the recent announcement by Metropolitan Museum of Art that it will charge a $25 admission fee to non- New York residents.

It is a divisive idea.

As art critics like Roberta Smith, Holland Cotter and Jerry Seltz have pointed out this policy is likely to discourage many out of town visitors from ever returning. We fail to see what possible benefit is gained by segregating visitors by their place of residence.

The Met is in large part supported by tax revenues paid by All New Yorkers. It makes us proud and gratified that our contributions to the city’s budget allow people from the US and around the world equal access to this great institution.

And may we remind you that what goes around, comes around. We would like to enjoy the same privilege when visiting great museums in other parts of the country.